- author, nick mcfeet
- role, BBC Sport Scotland
Not since 2011 has the Scottish Premiership title race been this close.
Three points separate leaders Celtic and rivals Rangers with four games remaining, one of which could be a derby decider at City East End next month.
BBC Scotland analyzes the current status of the exciting battle for Scotland's top-flight crown after both Old Firm clubs secured two wins in a hard-fought away fixture.
“Only three things matter.”
It's a part of the season where performance becomes very secondary. Still, both Celtic and Rangers have been far from perfect this term.
Between the sides, they are without a win in 18 games, with Rangers losing six and drawing three, while Celtic have lost three and drawn six.
The occasional vulnerability on both sides that makes the captivating title race all the more fascinating was on full display Sunday.
Rangers rode their luck against St Mirren in Paisley, especially in the first half, but came close to winning through gritted teeth thanks to the much-maligned Cyriel Dessars' 20th goal of his debut season.
Celtic had a stroke of luck in the second period against Dundee at Dens Park, but a double from James Forrest, making his first start since November, restored the leaders' three-goal advantage.
Former Rangers striker Stephen Thompson told Sportsound: “Performance doesn't matter, it's all about the result.”
Fellow former Ibrox forward Billy Dodds echoed that view, saying: “At this stage there's tension and crisis but all that matters is getting the three points and that's what Celtic and Rangers have done. That's what happened,” he added. [on Sunday]. ”
Meanwhile, manager Philippe Clement rhymed with his usual line “I'm just busy with Rangers”, but while Rodgers praised his team's “spirit”, the Ibrox boss praised his team's “character” and ” He praised his resilience.
Needless to say, the player who best displays these three qualities will almost certainly be the decisive force in the remaining four games.
What's next after the emotional finale?
Due to the nature of the split, both clubs will face the top teams in the league in the final matchday.
Celtic's next game is a visit from Hearts, a side who have already beaten the leaders twice this season, including victory in Glasgow in December.
24 hours later Kilmarnock head to Ibrox having picked up seven points against the Old Firm this season.
Celtic's penultimate matchday trip to Rugby Park in midweek, where they have lost twice this term, will be quite the test for Rodgers' side, as will Rangers' final day trip to Tynecastle. There is a possibility that it will happen.
But first, there's a chance of a derby decider at Celtic Park, with perhaps a first win in almost four years for the Ibrox-born players to have a chance to battle their rivals for top spot. There will be a need.
And then, when all is said and done and the medals are handed out, there's the little event of looking forward to the Scottish Cup final.
For Celtic, it could be a chance for a league and cup double. Otherwise, they will aim to deny Rangers a domestic treble.
Please clear your diary. The end of the blockbuster season is just beginning.
